Democrat Mike Collier thinks his business background gives him perspective to challenge Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Collier said his experience allows him to develop ideas for the future of Texas.

Democrat Mike Collier thinks his business background gives him perspective to challenge Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Collier said his experience allows him to develop ideas for the future of Texas.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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Democrat Mike Collier thinks his business background gives him perspective to challenge Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Collier said his experience allows him to develop ideas for the future of Texas.

Democrat Mike Collier thinks his business background gives him perspective to challenge Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Collier said his experience allows him to develop ideas for the future of Texas.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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Potential lieutenant governor candidate stops in Midland

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In the beginning stages of a statewide campaign, Democrat Mike Collier thinks his business background gives him perspective to challenge Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Collier said his experience allows him to develop ideas for the future of Texas.

“Having a lieutenant governor who is an accountant isn’t a bad way to start,” Collier said. “One of the biggest concerns in the state is where money is being spent.”

Collier shared his plans for Texas with about 20 people gathered Saturday at Martinez Bakery. He focused on his public education stance, including his opposition to school vouchers.

“We want great public education,” Collier said. “Has [Patrick] worked on that? Vouchers are not the answer.”

Collier also hopes to reform tax policy, which he said currently benefits large companies at the expense of homeowners and small businesses.

The Democrat, who lives in the Houston area, has family ties to Midland. He also worked in the oil industry and hopes to increase funding to the Railroad Commission.

“I consider the oil patch my home turf,” Collier said. “I’ve been involved with it for … years. It’s important we do it safely.”

Collier has experience running a statewide campaign. He ran for Texas comptroller in 2014, a race he lost by more than 20 points, according to the Texas Tribune. He said as a businessman, he doesn’t have to risk a political career to run against the lieutenant governor.

“I don’t have anything to lose and have everything to gain,” Collier said. “The only way to hold politicians accountable is to run against them.”

Collier announced his intentions to run for lieutenant governor in March but plans to officially declare his candidacy this month. He hopes to seek the Democratic nomination and eventually run against Patrick in 2018. While campaigning, Collier said he will host issue-focused tours.

At Martinez Bakery, Collier answered questions about topics addressed in the most recent session of the Texas Legislature, including sanctuary cities and transgender bathroom guidelines.

Collier is the most recent Democrat to bring his message to Midland. U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke of El Paso hosted two events in the city this year to discuss his decision to challenge U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018.